Level 4 Paraplanner and Financial Planner
Apprenticeship Overview:
The Level 4 Paraplanner and Financial Planner apprenticeship is a comprehensive programme combining technical expertise, regulatory knowledge and client-focused skills. Ideal for aspiring financial services professionals and growing firms; over 22-months this standard develops confident, qualified paraplanners and financial advisers who can deliver high-quality planning and advice services.
The programme is fully, or part government funded, providing a cost-effective way to develop new technical and advisory talent that hold the CII DipPFS (Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning) qualification as standard.
Programme Overview Coming Soon:
Entry Requirements:
- Be aged 16 or over and not in education or on a government funded programme
- Have been a UK resident for the last 3 years
- Employed for a minimum of 16 hours per week within a financial advice or planning firm
- Have a minimum of 1 years industry experience (unless part of a graduate programme)
- Must be actively working towards a paraplanning / financial planning role
- Have achieved a Grade 5 (C) in GCSE English and maths
- Hold at least one pass at Level 3, for example an A-Level or BTEC
Important Information:
- All programmes are delivered online. You will need a strong broadband connection and a PC with both camera and microphone
- You must be able to commit to the whole apprenticeship with your employer, for the full duration
- You are expected to maintain a minimum of 95% attendance to live seminars
- Be able to commit to 6 hours of structured learning each week alongside your existing role
Key Stages:
-
Practical Period (22 Months)
9 core modules / seminars, focussed on the development of role specific knowledge, skills and behaviours.
18 assignments, 9 supported by the employer providing appropriate role exposure and training
6 exams supported by e-learning modules and 4 seminars each to achieve the CII Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning (DipPFS). R01 sat within the End-Point Assessment stage.
-
End Point Assessment (2 Months)
Portfolio of evidence consisting of a range of assignments.
Professional discussion underpinned by the portfolio of evidence
Case study test with questions and answers
R01 Financial Services Regulation and Ethics exam
Learning Outcomes:
Learn what financial advice and planning involves. Understand the importance of regulated advice. Identify the key advice sectors within financial services. Understand professional standards. Recognise the main roles and career pathways.
Duration: 1st week
This module will enable you to understand and demonstrate what constitutes regulated advice. You will have a practical understanding of the role ethical standards and the FCA play in the advice process. You will learn the importance of Knowing Your Customers (KYC), including fact finding, risk profiling, and assessing suitability and how to embody this practice within your work.
Within this module you will study and achieve R01 Financial Services, Regulation and Ethics supported by our e-learning platform and 4 seminars including a 1-day masterclass. You will not be able to sit this exam until all end-point assessment criteria have been met towards the end of your apprenticeship.
Duration: 3 Months (Weeks 1 - 14)
Hours: 89 including self-study, seminars, assignments and workplace learning
Weekly Average: 6 hours per week structured learning
Exam: R01 Financial Services, Regulation and Ethics
Workshops: 6 seminars
Assessment: 2 Written Assignments
In this module you will gain a practical understanding of how effective systems, robust controls and strong compliance frameworks help safeguard both clients and the firm. You will develop a strong understanding of the consequences of poor controls and be able to describe the responsibilities of regulated firms confidently. Importantly, you will recognise how culture and leadership influence compliance and the role you play in supporting this.
Within this module you will study and achieve R02 Investment Principles and Risks supported by our e-learning platform and 4 seminars including a 1-day masterclass.
Duration: 3 Months (Weeks 15 - 28)
Hours: 84 including self-study, seminars, assignments and workplace learning
Weekly Average: 6.5 hours per week structured learning
Exam: R02 Investment Principles and Risks
Workshops: 5 seminars
Assessment: 2 Written Assignments
In this module you will learn to effectively identify and analyse client needs using structured fact-finding, appropriate questioning techniques, and a holistic understanding of personal and financial circumstances. You will learn the key principles and processes in researching financial solutions, taking into account product features, client objectives, regulatory requirements and ethical considerations.
Within this module you will study and achieve R03 Personal Taxation supported by our e-learning platform and 4 seminars including a 1-day masterclass.
Duration: 2.5 Months (Weeks 29 - 40)
Hours: 82 including self-study, seminars, assignments and workplace learning
Weekly Average: 7.5 hours per week structured learning
Exam: R03 Personal Taxation
Workshops: 5 seminars
Assessment: 2 Written Assignments
In this module you will be practically carrying out fund research and learning how to write clear and professional client reports (particularly suitability reports) to confidently present your recommendations. You will learn and be able to explain complex financial information in a way that is accessible to clients while ensuring it remains compliant with internal and regulatory standards.
Within this module you will study and achieve R04 Pensions and Retirement Planning supported by our e-learning platform and 4 seminars including a 1-day masterclass.
Duration: 3 Months (Weeks 41 - 55)
Hours: 94 including self-study, seminars, assignments and workplace learning
Weekly Average: 6.5 hours per week structured learning
Exam: R04 Pensions and Retirement Planning
Workshops: 5 seminars
Assessment: 2 Written Assignments
Having studied R02 Investment Principles and Risks, you will learn to apply your understanding of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) factors in real client scenarios. We will explore how to assess the quality and credibility of ESG investment options and learn how to align your recommendations / advice with a client's ethical preferences. We will debate and discuss how to navigate challenges such as greenwashing, performance trade-offs, and regulatory expectations.
Within this module you will study and achieve R05 Financial Protection supported by our e-learning platform and 4 seminars including a 1-day masterclass.
Duration: 3 Months (Weeks 56 - 68)
Hours: 72 including self-study, seminars, assignments and workplace learning
Weekly Average: 6 hours per week structured learning
Exam: R05 Financial Protection
Workshops: 5 seminars
Assessment: 2 Written Assignments
In this module we will explore and evaluate your responsibilities as a regulated professional working in a dynamic client-facing industry. We will develop a robust understanding of the expectations set out in the FCA's Statements of Principle for Approved Persons, including Fit and Proper Testing. We will further develop our understanding of how we must uphold professional standards and ethical conduct in all aspects of your work.
Within this module you will study and achieve R06 Financial Planning Practice supported by our e-learning platform and 4 seminars including a 1-day masterclass.
Duration: 3 Months (Weeks 69 - 83)
Hours: 77 including self-study, seminars, assignments and workplace learning
Weekly Average: 5.5 hours per week structured learning
Exam: R06 Financial Planning Practice
Workshops: 5 seminars
Assessment: 1 Written Assignment, 1 Professional Discussion
In this module we will explore what makes financial advice truly personal and suitable at the point of reccomendation, ensuring how to keep it relevant and compliant as a client's circumstances change. The module is focussed on being able to perform the ongoing responsibilities beyond an initial meeting, including client reviews, monitoring suitability and ensuring recommendations remain aligned with the client's goals, risk tolerance and regulatory expectations.
Within this module you will be awaiting the results of your R06 examination.
Duration: 1 Month (Weeks 84 - 88)
Hours: 24 including a seminar, assignments and workplace learning
Weekly Average: 7 hours per week structured learning
Workshops: 1 seminar
Assessment: 1 Written Assignments, 1 Professional Discussion
In this module we will explore how strong client relationships drive sustainable business growth. We will focus on the skills required to build long term client loyalty. We will review ways in which you can actively contribute to business development by spotting opportunities, supporting client retention and adding value at key touchpoints.
There are no exams to be completed during this module, and the focus will be on completing any final assessments.
Duration: 1 Month (Weeks 90 - 94)
Hours: 16 including a seminar, assignment and workplace learning
Weekly Average: 4 hours per week structured learning
Workshops: 1 seminar
Assessment: 1 Professional Discussion
Level 4 Paraplanner and Financial Planner Road-Map:
Qualifications and Study Support Programme:
As part of this apprenticeship, apprentices will achieve the CII Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning.
This will be made up of:
R01 Financial Services, Regulation and Ethics
R02 Investment Principles and Risk
R03 Personal Taxation
R04 Pensions and retirement planning
R05 Financial protection
R06 Financial planning practice
If you are purely interested in obtaining your CII qualifications and not the wider apprenticeship outcomes, please check out our CII study support workshops: